Southern Vectis is working with St George’s School in Newport to help provide travel training for its students.
The bus operator is providing bus passes so trainers can prepare pupils with severe and complex needs for bus travel across the Island.
Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis’ general manager recently met with 15-year-old Oscar Le Neve Foster, who has been helped by this initiative.
Richard has said:
“The school does an excellent job, making sure more its vulnerable young people understand how to use bus services here.
“We are pleased to be able to support teachers in their very worthwhile activities, by providing them with free travel. It complements our customer promise training programme, which all our drivers take – so they are more aware of all our passengers’ needs”.
Isabel Bardsley, from St George’s School, added:
“It’s wonderful seeing our pupils gain greater confidence. Making sure they’re comfortable when catching the bus is key because it will help them gain independence. It’s a vital tool for increasing levels of social inclusion across the island.
Article continues below this advertisement “We teach them which buses they need to take, where to wait, and how to recognise destination landmarks. We also make sure they understand how to board buses, showing their pass to the driver – and even the best places to sit. It’s very rewarding to see them managing the entire process independently. The help we receive from Southern Vectis is absolutely invaluable.”
